§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what formula is used for calculating the payment made each financial year by central Government to (a) regional health authorities and (b) area health authorities; how this formula encompasses greater per capita expenditure resulting from (1) population scattered over an abnormally 335W large area (2) abnormal percentage of elderly and retired population and (3) significant increases in temporary populations due to influx of holidaymakers in holiday areas; if she will show by table how these factors affect the total payments; and what total payments have been made to each regional health authority and area health authority in the last financial year, also expressed as a sum per capita.
§ Dr. OwenThe Report of the Resource Allocation Working Party, a copy of which is in the Library of the House, contains the criteria for distributing finance to health authorities which are currently under review. My right hon. Friend will shortly be announcing her decisions on interim improvements to be made for 1976–77 following consultations on the Report. The Working Party is now studying longer-term arrangements, including the important issue of criteria for allocations below regional level, and will be making a further report later in the year.